Incheon Airport to Gangnam | 4 Ways: Fare, Timetable, Distance

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If you’re traveling from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Gangnam, you have four main transportation options: Airport Limousine Bus, AREX + Subway, taxi or private airport transfer, and rental car. For most travelers, the airport limousine bus is the best choice: it runs directly to Gangnam with no transfers and stores your luggage onboard. The AREX All-Stop train plus subway is the cheapest way and immune to traffic, but it requires a transfer with your bags. For door-to-door comfort with kids, heavy luggage, or a late-night arrival, book a private airport transfer. Below we compare every option in detail, including costs, schedules, pros and cons, and who each option is best for.

Book your ride from Incheon Airport

Lock in your ride before you land. Taking AREX instead? No booking needed, just tap in with a T-money card.

How far is Incheon Airport from Gangnam?

Incheon Airport is located 65 km away from the Gangnam district. It takes approximately 60 minutes to drive. To make this journey, you can take a train (AREX), a private airport transfer, an airport bus, a taxi, or a rental car. Take a quick glance at this table, which best summarizes the route and transportation options.

Distance from Incheon to Gangnam65 km
Best Way to Travel from Incheon Airport to GangnamAirport Limousine Bus
Cheapest Way to Travel from Incheon to GangnamAREX + Subway
Best For Families & Late ArrivalsPrivate Transfer or Taxi
Best For Road Trips Outside SeoulRental Cars

Let’s dive into the details of the 4 ways to get to Gangnam from Incheon International Airport (ICN) below.

4 Ways To Get From The Incheon Airport to Gangnam

For most travelers, the airport bus is the way to go: it takes you to the Seoul city center directly and totally stairs-free, with street views of Seoul along the way. The train is the cheapest but requires a transfer, and a private transfer gives you door-to-door comfort. Let’s dive into more details, including the fare and timetable!

TransportationFareDurationBook
Private Airport Transfer87,500 KRW60-80 minOnline booking
Airport Bus (No. 6703)18,000 KRW1hr 10minOnline booking ✅
Airport Bus (No. 6009)18,000 KRW1hr 10minOnline booking ❎
Late-night Bus (No. N6703)18,000 KRW1hrOnline booking ✅
AREX + Subway4,950 KRW1hr 30minBuy a T-money Card
Taxi70,000 – 100,000 KRW1hr 10minRide Sharing Apps recommended

There are four ways to get to Gangnam from Incheon Airport.

Airport Bus (The Limousine City Bus) – Best Overall Way to Gangnam

Incheon airport to Gangnam airport bus
ICN bus platform to get to Gangnam

The airport bus is the best overall way to get to Gangnam from Incheon Airport thanks to its direct, no-transfer ride and onboard luggage storage. It takes approximately 60-80 minutes, but as always, the time depends on the traffic. Bus 6009 and Bus 6703 depart every 15 to 20 minutes from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The fare is slightly pricier at 18,000 KRW ($11.65).

6009 Bus Route

bus route 6009 to Gangnam
Airport Bus 6009 Route Map

From ICN Terminal 2

  • Sinsa station – 3 stops
  • Sinnonhyeon station – 5 stops
  • Gangnam station – 6 stops
  • Yangjae station – 9 stops

Time & Fare

The first bus from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 operates at 05:40 am, and the last bus is at 11:06 pm. How good the bus interval is 15 -20 minutes! Although the fare, 18,000 KRW ($11.65), is relatively expensive compared to the train (AREX), it takes you to Gangnam directly without transfer! * Note: The fare for the Incheon to Downtown Seoul airport bus has increased from 17,000 KRW to 18,000 KRW for adults and 12,000 KRW ($7.76) for children (ages 6-12).

Bus Ticket Office

Purchase the bus ticket before you get on the bus. You can find ticket offices and vending machines inside and outside, as shown in the photos below.

Incheon airport bus ticket office
Incheon Airport Bus Ticket Office

Here you can search for your destination to find the RIGHT AIRPORT BUS! 

Incheon airport bus vending machine
Incheon Airport Bus Ticket Kiosk

Where to get the bus 6009

Use Incheon Airport exit 4 to get to Gangnam

To get the bus 6009, use exit 4 of the arrival hall and find platform 4A at the Incheon Airport Terminal 1.

Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Bus Platform on the 1st Floor

If you land at Terminal 2, go downstairs and find platform 15.

6703 Bus Route

Bus 6703 departs from ICN Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and journeys through key Gangnam locations as shown in the figure above. It operates as a one-way loop and only stops at Sinnonhyeon Station, The Westin Seoul Parnas, and Seolleung Station.

Most regular airport buses run from around 05:30–06:00 AM until about 10:00–10:30 PM. If you arrive after the regular airport buses stop running, you can take a Night Bus (N Bus) that operates from around 11 PM to 4:40 AM.


Night bus
Major stopsFareOnline purchase
N6000 (to Gangnam Bus Terminal)Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, Songjeong Station 17,000 KRW (Adults), 10,000 KRW (Child)
N6703 (to Gwangnaru Station)Coex, Jamsil Lotte World, Gwangnaru Station18,000 KRW (Adults), 12,000 KRW (Child)

If you arrive after the regular airport buses stop running, you can take one of four late-night buses. They go mainly to Dongdaemun, Seoul Station, Cheongnyangni, Express Bus Terminal, and Gangnam. Just buy a ticket at the counter or online in advance, get on, and get off at the stop closest to your accommodation, and take a short taxi if needed.

Night Bus Destination & Stops

As shown in the figure above, all bus routes depart from Incheon Airport Terminal 1, with N6000 taking 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes) to reach Gangnam Express Bus Terminal. N6002 departs for Cheongnyangni (4.5 hours), N6701 for Dongdaemun Design Plaza (4 hours 5 minutes), and N6703 for Gwangnaru Station (5 hours 50 minutes).

Night Bus from Incheon Airport Timetable

RouteStops (Main Area)Departure Times (T2)
N6000Gangnam / Express Bus Terminal23:20, 00:00, 01:40, 02:20, 03:00, 03:30
N6703Gangnam/ Coex, Jamsil Lotte Tower23:20, 00:00, 00:45, 01:25, 03:30, 04:30

Night Bus Stop Information

Incheon Airport Terminal 1

Late-night buses depart from Incheon Airport Terminal 1, 1st Floor (Arrivals).
Each bus uses a specific stop number, so look for the signs outside after you exit the arrival hall.

✔ Terminal 1 Bus Stops
  • 3BN6703 (Gangnam)
  • 6AN6000 (Gangnam/Seocho)

The map above shows the exact stop locations, so you can simply follow the numbered signs (3B and 6A) when you step outside.

Incheon Airport Terminal 2

Late-night airport buses depart from the Transportation Center on B1 (Basement 1) at Terminal 2.
Follow the signs for “Bus Terminal / Transportation Center B1” after exiting customs.

✔ Terminal 2 Bus Stops (B1)
RouteBus Stop No.Destination Area
N600028Gangnam / Express Bus Terminal
N670319Gangnam / Seocho area

The map above shows the exact stop positions — simply follow the blue stop numbers (17–35 range) inside the bus terminal.

The airport bus is ideal if you have a large amount of luggage, don’t want transfers, or want the easiest way to get to Gangnam from Incheon Airport. That said, it is not ideal for budget travelers.

Pros:

  • Direct: requires no transfers
  • Offers storage for large luggage
  • Has comfortable seats

Cons:

  • Is slightly more expensive than the train + subway combo.
  • Traffic can increase travel time.
things to do in gangnam
Things to do in Gangnam
things to do in Incheon airport
Things to do in Incheon Airport

Taxi – Door-to-Door Without Advance Booking

Regular Taxi in ICN

A taxi works well if you are traveling with your family, in groups, or arriving late at Incheon International Airport. If you prefer a fixed price and a driver waiting for you at arrivals, book a private airport transfer instead. While night buses are available, I recommend taking a taxi after midnight for convenience and to reach your destination faster (the bus makes multiple stops, causing a delay).

Taxi Fare from Incheon Airport to Gangnam

taxi fare from Incheon to gangnam

The taxi fare from Incheon airport to the Gangnam area is around 70,000 to 100,000 KRW ($45.29-$64.7), and it takes about 70 to 90 minutes. (The fare and time can be varied by the traffic.) Though it costs more than the other options, the taxi fare in Korea is still not that high compared to other cities.

Where to Get a Taxi at Incheon Airport

Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Taxi Stand

At platform 4C across the airport bus stops, you can get an international taxi from Terminal 1.

Incheon Airport Terminal 2 Taxi Stand

For International Taxi, you can go to platform 1C at Terminal 2.

Jumbo Taxi: A Better Alternative For Bigger Groups

If you have 3 or more people in your group, I recommend choosing a Jumbo Taxi. This is an affordable private airport taxi service, with the fare falling around 90,000 – 120,000 KRW ($58.23-$77.64). The price varies by area in Seoul. Here you can check the price of a private van to popular destinations such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam.

If you are traveling with children or your group has more than three people, it’s best to hail a taxi. It is also most convenient, especially if you land at Incheon Airport late at night.

Pros:

  • Offers a door-to-door service with no stops or transfers.
  • Is the most comfortable option for families and groups.
  • Taxis are available 24/7.

Cons:

  • Is the most expensive transportation option.
  • Additional charges may apply for late-night surcharges.

Train (AREX) – For Budget Travelers

The AREX + Subway combo is the best way to get to Gangnam from Incheon International Airport for solo and budget travelers. While a bit lengthy and may appear slightly inconvenient, the fare for train and subway combined starts from 4,850 KRW ($3.14), nearly four times cheaper than that of the airport limousine bus. This alone makes the long journey and transfer between stops worth it.

If you want to take the train to Gangnam Station and Shinnonhyun Station, be aware that they are on different subway routes. Gangnam Station is on the Seoul metro line number 2 (green line), while the Shinnonhyun Station is on line number 9 (brown line) at the transfer from AREX (Airport Railroad).

How to get AREX in ICN
AREX sign in ICN

You can easily find the Airport Railroad (AREX) sign at Incheon Airport. To get to Gangnam, go downstairs and buy a ticket first at the ticket office or vending machine, which looks like the following:

Incheon airport arex travel office
AREX Travel Center on the B1 floor in ICN
incheon airport AREX ticket vending machine
AREX Ticket Kiosks on the B1 floor in ICN

Route To Gangnam

AREX and subway route to Gangnam

To get to Gangnam Station, you have to transfer from AREX (Airport railroad) to the subway line no. 2 at the Hongik University Station.

AREX route to Gangnam
AREX route from ICN to Hongdae

Passengers can choose from All-Stop and Express trains if they decide on AREX. Because the Express train operates only between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, hop aboard an All-Stop train if your destination is Hongdae to transfer.

incheon to gangnam by train
AREX(Airport Railroad)
incheon to gangnam by train
Seoul Metro Line 2

Time & Fare

It takes around 60 minutes from ICN Terminal 2 to Hongik Univ. Station with AREX and another 40 minutes to Gangnam Station with Seoul Metro Line 2. The fastest train platform to transfer from AREX to Line 2 is 5-4. The fare for an All-Stop train from ICN to Hongik Univ. Station is 4,750 KRW ($3.07), while the metro fare is around 1,250-1,350 KRW ($0.81-$0.87), roughly totalling to 6,000 KRW ($3.88). Super cheap, isn’t it ;)?

AREX + Subway Route To Sinnonhyeon Station

AREX and subway route to Shinnonhyun station

To get to Sinnonhyeon Station, you have to transfer from AREX (Airport Railroad) to the subway line No. 9 at the Gimpo Airport Station.

AREX route to Shinnonhyun
[ Airport Railroad Map (Credit: Airport Railroad Co., Ltd.) ]

It takes around 44 minutes from ICN Terminal 2 to Gimpo Airport Station with AREX (3,750-4,150 KRW) and another 33 minutes to Sinnonhyeon Station with Seoul Metro Line 9 (1,850 KRW). The total fare is around 4,850 KRW ($3.14).

incheon to sinnonhyeon station
AREX(Airport Railroad)
incheon to sinnonhyeon station
Seoul Metro Line 9

AREX Timetable

AREX time table to Seoul station

AREX trains depart every 10 – 25 minutes from Incheon International Airport Terminal 2.

Here is the whole timetable of AREX (CLICK)!

Budget travelers should opt for AREX + Subway to save money. It is also an excellent option if you are traveling alone and don’t mind transferring to reach Gangnam from ICN.

Pros:

  • Is the most affordable transport option, costing below $5.
  • AREX and the Seoul subway both have frequent departures.
  • You can pay the fare with a T-Money Card.

Cons:

  • Has no direct service to Gangnam; you’ll need to transfer to the Seoul Subway.
  • Can be crowded during morning and evening rush hours.

If you buy the Discover Seoul Pass, which provides free admission to 69 attractions and discounts to 127 attractions, including Royal Palaces, museums, and theme parks, you can use the airport railroad as well.

SIM Wifi Comparison and pick up at Incheon airport
Compare SIM & Pick up at Incheon Airport

Rental Car – For Road Trips Outside Seoul

Incheon airport to Gangnam by car

If you prefer to drive on your own like me, you can rent a car and drive yourself. The distance between Incheon Airport and Gangnam is 65 km and only takes approximately 70-90 minutes via the ‘Incheon International Airport Express’. The toll fee is 5,500 KRW ($3.56).

Rent A Car

If you are planning to go to other cities from Seoul, like Busan or Gangwon-do, car rental is also a good option. You can rent a car at Incheon Airport at a very affordable price from 60,000 KRW per day. For more details, including what you need to rent a car in Korea, check this post.

If you are on an extended vacation in Korea or have a day trip included in your Seoul Itinerary, we highly recommend renting a car. It is also convenient for families and groups carrying multiple bags.

Pros:

  • Offers maximum flexibility to travel at your own pace.
  • Is ideal for road trips outside Seoul.
  • You won’t have to rely on public transportation schedules.

Cons:

  • Not recommended for driving within Seoul due to heavy traffic.
  • Parking may be limited and expensive.
  • You will need an International Driving Permit.

One more thing, if you have a lot of luggage, we recommend you use luggage delivery services from the Incheon airport to your hotel or Airbnb. For detailed information about the subway storage near you, take a look at our post, Luggage Storage Services in Seoul.” Also, see the luggage services in Seoul comparison 👇

Common Mistakes Travelers Make While Getting To Gangnam From Incheon Airport

First-time visitors often make these travel mistakes while traveling from ICN to Gangnam:

  • Boarding the AREX Express Train

This is a classic mistake; travelers often choose the AREX Express train for its speed, not knowing it doesn’t stop near Gangnam. The Express train runs from ICN to Seoul Station, after which you will need to transfer to the Seoul Metro. Instead, choose the AREX All-Stop train, which stops at Gimpo Airport.

  • Forgetting about transferring to the Seoul Subway

If you are taking the AREX train, you will have to transfer to the subway Line 2 or Line 9 to reach Gangnam. You can’t take a direct train from the ICN to Gangnam.

  • Assuming every airport bus stops at Gangnam Station

Only specific airport buses like 6009 and 6703 provide direct access to Gangnam Station from ICN. Other buses have distinct destinations and do not stop in Gangnam.

  • Taking the Shuttle Train in Terminal 1

Unless you are sure about your gate, do not take the “free shuttle” from Gates 101-132. It is a one-way route with no return.

  • Not checking your hotel’s location

Make sure to check whether your booked accommodation is closer to COEX, Yeoksam, or Sinnonhyeon. Gangnam is the third-largest district in Seoul, so you need to know whether to take the subway to Gangnam, Yeoksam, or Sinnonhyeon station.

Travel Tips About Gangnam

Thank you for reading, and don’t hesitate to comment on this post.

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